Crystal
Palace have announced the signing of forward Patrick Bamford on a
season-long loan from Chelsea.
Bamford, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, has agreed the
switch on the same day that it was announced he had signed a new three-year
deal at Chelsea.
The 21-year-old won the Championship Player of the Year award for his
efforts at Middlesbrough last season, scoring 17 goals as the Teessiders
lost out in the play-off final to Norwich.
He told the Palace website: "I was quite keen to stay close to London this
time and Palace were actually my first choice, but I didn't realise they
were keen to start with.
"Then, when I met with the manager (Alan Pardew), he put forward his plans
and it was an easy decision.
"I do like to score goals, so hopefully I'll be able to do that a lot here.
I want to try to establish myself in a Premier League team and if I can do
that here then it would be great for me and great for the club."
The England U21 international has also spent time away from Stamford Bridge
with temporary spells at MK Dons and Derby, having begun his career at the
Nottingham Forest academy.
Regarding his new deal at Chelsea, he told their website: "I'm delighted to
sign a new contract with Chelsea. My dream has always been to be part of
this club for the long term.
"Chelsea have been fantastic with my development and joining Crystal Palace
for this season on loan is the next step for me in my career."
Palace manager Alan Pardew said: "It's a coup for Crystal Palace ahead of a
host of rivals. I'm so pleased he chose us over others to help develop his
game. Hopefully he will be a star for us, Chelsea and – of course –
England."
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